If you and your mate are experiencing difficulties, take some time to evaluate how you would both like your relationship to be. Maybe you would like him to treat you like a queen again and go out to awesome places like miniature golf and off-the-beaten-path cotton candy stands? Or perhaps he wants you to be less of a slob? After discussing these expectations with your counterpart, set yourselves realistic relationship goals. So, don't fantasize too much about the future too soon.

ake money, for example, that's best left to his financial advisor, banker or psychic. Don't loan money, especially for something like a bad credit car loan. If he has trouble paying back the loan, be prepared to pay for your own dinner dates in the future. The Oprah Winfrey empire has a few good pointers to avoid early relationship goofs (mistakes made in the later stages are best left for another conversation). Maybe the lesser “L” word ("like") is a better alternative at first.

Blurting out the “L” word can send him scurrying to the door in a flash, which might be a good thing if he's commitment-shy. Don't do more than your 50 percent, such as arranging the mortgage, balancing the checkbook, etc. Eventually you'll resent it and might flip out at the wrong time, like when you're frying vegetables for the eight-course meal you've planned. It's okay to pull your own weight — as long as you don't weigh 500 pounds. Also, don't be afraid to fly solo.

Psychology Today also weighs in on the top dating mistakes women make, and even includes brain chemistry in the equation. For example, women in the "falling in love" stage can run on oxytocin, which is found in chocolate and causes a sense of well-being and euphoria. Like many mind-altering substances that can cloud your thinking, suffering from oxytocin poisoning might make you prone to substituting the man's last name for yours on the third date. Also, don't be afraid to fly solo.